WEST Bay could have a new shopping opportunity in one of the harbour’s most historic buildings after planners rejected English Heritage objections.

Councillors on the West Dorset District Council development control committee gave the go-ahead for a change of use of the old warehouse at the former Norman Good’s yard on Station Road.

The structure is Grade II starred Listed and is on the National Heritage at risk register.

An old customs’ bonded store, the building dates back almost 275 years to Bridport harbour’s heyday as a thriving port.

The group of buildings backing on to the beach were used as part of a business dealing in sand and gravel. Currently they are being used for storage.

English Heritage had recommended that the application on behalf of the Weymouth Bay Developments be refused, claiming future plans for heritage benefits to the building and the site as a whole could be impeded.

But planning officers advised councillors that retail use on the site would be acceptable and could improve the ‘viability and vitality’ of West Bay.